Follow us on Google Discover Alexander Zverev failed to win his first Grand Slam in 2025.
The German star began the year in fine form, reaching the final of the Australian Open, where Zverev lost to Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
Unfortunately for Zverev, he couldn’t maintain that form through the remainder of the year, as he failed to reach another major semifinal (French Open – Lost in QF, Wimbledon – Lost in 1R, US Open – Lost in 3R).
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Most recently, Zverev fell to Sinner again in the Vienna Open final, despite leading the Italian by a set to love.
Reacting to the world number three’s latest defeat, tennis legend Jimmy Connors has shared whether he believes he has what it takes to win a Grand Slam.
Jimmy Connors still thinks that Alexander Zverev ‘can’ win a Grand Slam
During the latest episode of ‘Advantage Connors’, the eight-time major champion had this to say about Zverev’s Grand Slam chances.
“He is ranked number three, he is in the top five, I’m sure he’s making a ton of dough. He has got 95% of everything he wants, but a Grand Slam. To make that last little push, he is going to have to really put his mind to it and sacrifice a little bit to push himself that little extra,” said Connors.
“I get it. It’s sometimes tough to do, when you look up and you are the third-best player in the world and you get all the accolades and people are following you on social media.
“But when you hang up the racket, you are going to look back and say I won a few tournaments, but I never won a Grand Slam.
“I know he has beaten [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner, and you get to the point where it’s like, what’s it going to take for him to win a Grand Slam?
“The reason I like talking about him is that I think he can.
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“I know he has won titles and makes a ton of money, and I’m sure that’s very satisfying, but when it comes to hanging up your racket, you are going to say I won x amount of dollars and x amount of tournaments, but I’m missing one thing. I’m missing a Grand Slam.”
Connors believes Zverev has what it takes, but is wary that time is running out for the 28-year-old.
“For someone like him, who has the talent, and has had three or four opportunities to win. It’s not like he’s getting any younger, and he has got these young guys crawling up his back in Alcaraz and Sinner,” he said.
“So his time has got to be now because eventually those windows close.”
Zverev has certainly had his chances, but just how close has he come to winning a Grand Slam title?
Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam record
The German has entered 39 major tournaments, reaching six quarterfinals, six semifinals, and three finals.
Grand SlamBest performance2025 performanceWin/Loss recordWin %Australian OpenF – 2025Lost in F31-1076%French OpenF – 2024Lost in QF38-1079%Wimbledon4R – 2017, 2021, 2024Lost in 1R16-964%US OpenF – 2020Lost in 3R28-1074%Alexander Zverev’s record at Grand Slams
He came closest to lifting a major title at the US Open five years ago.
Playing in his first Grand Slam final, Zverev led his close friend Dominic Thiem by two sets to love on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Zverev couldn’t get over the line, however, crumbling under the pressure, as he lost 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-7 [6-8].
He’s played two major finals since, but hasn’t gotten any closer, as he remains Slam-less, at age 28.
Only time will tell if he can finally pick up his first Grand Slam in 2026…
The world number three won’t be thinking about the Australian Open just yet, however, as he first looks to defend his Paris Masters title.
Alexander Zverev’s route to a second consecutive Paris Masters title
The German won his first Paris Masters title last year, but has been given a much tougher draw this time around.
Alexander Zverev’s route to the title (By ranking)2R – Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ATP #49)3R – Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ATP #15)QF – Lorenzo Musetti (ATP #8)SF – Jannik Sinner (ATP #2)F – Carlos Alcaraz (ATP #1)
Zverev may need to beat Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in back-to-back matches if he wants to defend his title.
He’ll first take on Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli in his opening match on Wednesday, October 29.